Micronutrient Deficiencies 2

Question 1

Magnesium

Answer 1

300 enzymes, activation of B126 and vit D
Absorption of Ca, K vit C and intracellular ions
Muscles relaxes limbs, lungs and gut vessels
Vasodilator
Reduce inflammation
Bone health

Dissolved in stomach acid, absorbed in bowel and reabsorbed in kidneys. Lactose, B6 andSe increase absorption, fibre, phytates and phosphates decrease absorption. Na, Ca, protein, caffeine and sugar increase excretion

99% stores in bones and tissue
Stores do not readily exchange with blood Mg, day to day is dependent on intake. Serum and RBC Mg only pick up severe deficiency

Question 2

Low / high Mg

Answer 2

Magnesium deficiency
NIDDM, Diarrhoea, crowns, IND, stress, diuretics and antibiotics
Fatigue, cramps, decreased concentration, unrefreshed sleep, decreased appetite, lack of coordination, raised BP, osteoporosis

High Mg (rare) 
Renal failure, Addison's disease, antacids, laxatives

Question 3

Calcium

Answer 3

Enzyme action
Absorption of nutrients (membrane transfer)
Nerve transmission
Bone and teeth
Muscle/ vascular contraction
Insulin secretion
> absorption w stomach acid, B12, Mg, Vit D, lactose
< absorption w phytates (soy?), oxalates, Fe, Mg, Zn
> exertion with protein, caffeine, salt; soft drinks
Homeostasis: parathyroid, thyroxine, insulin, steroids, oestrogen

Question 4

Calcium deficiency

Answer 4

PPIs, loop diuretics, felodipine, steroids, HRT, anticonvulsant, increased serum Ca

Muscle cramps, pain, spasm, parathesia, bone pain, rickets, osteomalacia, fractures, increased Bp, increased cholesterol, PMS, insomnia

Blood tests, bone density

Hypercalcaemia
Nausea, irritability, constipation

Question 5

Vitamin D

Answer 5

Serum
Assists in calcium, phosphorous and magnesium absorption
Better insulin sensitivity
Receptor on all cells
Structural function of bones and teeth
Increased serotonin
Heart/ bp/ endothelial/ vascular function

Low Vit D
Osteoporosis 
Osteomalacia
Ricketts
CFS
Diabetes
Obesity 
Respiratory infections 

Symptoms are muscle pain, sarcopenia, mood swings/ depression, sleep dosturbances

Question 6

B12

Answer 6

Nervous system/ brain muelination 
DNA/RNA synthesis 
Production of RBC 
Ca absorption 
Important for methylation reaction for many other functions including neurotransmitter synthesis, gene expression, hormonal regulation etc.

Most difficult to absorb, HCl in stomach needed to release B12
Parietal cells in stomach secrete IF, absorption occurs in ileum with ca

Serum B12 ideal, also active B12

Question 7

B12 deficiency

Answer 7

Megoblastic anaemia, shortness of breath
Depression, memory loss, dementia, fatigue
Irreversible nerve damage
>homocysteine (vascular disease/ stroke)

Yellow skin, red smooth tongue, loss of appetite, brown/ grey nails, pernicious anaemia, nail beading